Original Article

Induction of systemic lupus erythematosus syndrome in BALB/c mice by immunization with active chromatin

Hong LI, Yun-yi ZHANG, Ya-nan SUN, Xi-yi HUANG, Yong-feng JIA, Duan LI

Abstract

AIM:
To establish an animal model for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like syndrome in mice.
METHODS:
BALB/c mice were immunized with active chromatin isolated from ConA-activated syngeneic spleno-lymphocytes. Plasma samples of mice were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for the presence of IgG anti-dsDNA, -ssDNA, and anti-histone antibodies. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum was measured by ELISA. Spleno-lymphocyte proliferation assays and the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in supernatants were tested respectively. Proteinuria was measured. Kidneys were examined by direct immunohistochemical method and light microscopy.
RESULTS:
Anti-ds DNA, ssDNA, and histone antibodies were induced in active chromatin-immunized mice, the proliferation response of splenocytes to ConA and LPS were reduced, levels of interferon-gamma in supernatants and TNF-alpha in serum were lowered. Lupus nephritis was assessed by the presence of Ig deposits, glomerular pathology and proteinuria.
CONCLUSION:
The active chromatin-induced SLE-like mouse model was similar to idiopathic SLE in human.
Keywords:

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